Karaoke Bucket List: 10 Songs To Sing In Front of a Crowd In Your Lifetime

Karaoke Bucket List: 10 Songs To Sing In Front of a Crowd In Your Lifetime

For most of us who can’t carry a tune, karaoke provides a rare chance to step out of the confines of the shower and be excused for not-so-good singing. After all, the best karaoke sessions aren’t defined by the quality of the voices, but how much the faux-musician in question owns the song at that moment – making a solid playlist crucial to the experience. With that, we present a list of classic and recent tunes you must sing at karaoke in your lifetime.

1. “Kiss,” Prince, 1986

Apply the lyrics to this song about equal opportunity lovin’ to karaoke: you don’t need experience to turn it out. Any attempt to keep up with Prince’s high-pitched vocals will be hilarious, and you’ll get extra points if you match his shrieking starting at the 03:27 mark. Add some pelvic thrusts and gyration throughout. Click here to listen to "Kiss," on Dailymotion.

2. “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen, 1975

“Bohemian Rhapsody” has become a karaoke staple because it’s a vocal rollercoaster. Anybody performing this song has to own the room like Freddie Mercury did. To bring out your inner front man, strut and make eye contact with everyone in the room. Add some leather pants and eye glitter and people won't even care if you can't hit the high notes.

3. “Say My Name,” Destiny’s Child, 1999

While many Destiny’s Child songs convey female empowerment, touching on issues of bootyliciousness and being an independent woman, “Say My Name” addresses the universal issue of infidelity. The satisfaction of barking accusations karaoke-style outweighs the underlying sentiment that the person you're with might be hanging with someone else when you call. It might be a diva anthem, but it applies to guys and girls across the board. Not only has Drake covered it, but he also samples the hook on his latest, “Girls Love Beyoncé.” For your cover, you can either go the smooth route like Drake or sassy like Bey. Either way, your friends will be cheering your name.

4. “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi, 1986

“Livin’ on a Prayer” became Bon Jovi’s biggest hit because it combined elements of metal with the perfect sing along chorus. This is your opportunity to go into full rocker mode: whip your hair and run into everything in the room. This song is about taking the little bit of fire you have left and giving it all to your dream. When you're up in front of a crowd with a microphone in your hand, you better picture the tough times, get angry and find your inner fight. Sing it like it's your last shot, and you’ll make it – we swear.

5. “Bye Bye Bye,” ‘N Sync, 2000

Perhaps ‘N Sync’s biggest song, “Bye Bye Bye,” is the ultimate kiss-off. If your ex happens to be in the room, consider the song’s potency. There’s no wrath like a boy band scorned. If you're brave enough to take on Justin Timberlake's adolescent vocals, make sure to top off your performance with the iconic marionette-inspired goodbye dance.

6. “Friends in Low Places,” Garth Brooks, 1990

Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places,” is one of beloved songs of all time, and hands-down the best way to go country in karaoke. For anyone singing this track, master Brooks’ southern twang and make sure you're ready to holler with everything you've got. Even though you might be the one holding the microphone, choosing this song usually kills your chances of doing a solo performance. Rowdy audience members won't be shy when it comes to singing along with the chorus. Bonus points if you have a hat on to tip your audience.

7. “I Will Always Love You,” Whitney Houston, 1992

Released for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992, “I Will Always Love You” is often regarded as Whitney Houston’s signature song. You won't be the first to try put your pipes to the task of this power-ballad, but that shouldn't stop you from putting your own spin on it. No one's expecting your falsetto to match Whitney's to a tee. Just channel your inner powerhouse diva and sing with conviction.

8. “We Found Love,” Rihanna, 2011

Taking on “We Found Love,” is an acting challenge of sorts, since the song is equally as jubilant as it is heartbreaking. Make sure your expression is forlorn as you sing the airy verses, and when the beat explodes, jump around with your crowd like you've got nothing to lose. Just don’t get too carried away to the point of throwing up colorful streamers, that's only cute when Rihanna does it.

9. “Boyfriend,” Justin Bieber, 2012

The first single from his album Believe, last year’s “Boyfriend,” boasted a fresh and mature sound from Justin Bieber. If it was able to help the Biebs transition from a kid to a full-grown crooner, it should make you the coolest person at the party. If you don’t possess his smooth falsetto, fret not: evoke “swaggy” by licking your lips, running your fingers through your luscious locks and maintaining a brooding facial expression. Wink at the girls in the front row to add a little kick to your show.

10. “We Are Young,” Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe, 2011

Last year, “We Are Young” became a runaway hit with Fun. bringing old school theatricality and pomp back to Top 40. The anthemic chorus lends itself perfectly to karaoke renditions, making this an essential part of any playlist. Feel free to flub some of the words, since the track celebrates mistakes.